The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has brought 62 beagles to Wisconsin from a mass-breeding facility in Virginia riddled with animal welfare concerns. A total of 4,000 beagles were rescued and are at various shelters throughout the country.

WHS picked up and transported nine beagle mothers and 53 puppies over the weekend as part of the operation, and all 62 dogs are currently in WHS foster homes throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

“On Saturday night, our team welcomed, examined, and placed all 62 animals in foster homes in less than two hours, said Alison Fotsch Kleibor, WHS Executive Vice President – CEO Designate. “It has been such a powerful experience to be a small part of the journey for these animals and an even greater privilege to be a part of the team who made it happen.”

The Humane Society of the United States is coordinating the removal of approximately 4,000 beagles housed at an Envigo RMS LLC facility in Cumberland, Va. which bred dogs to be sold to laboratories for animal experimentation. 

Repeated federal inspections have resulted in dozens of violations, including findings that some dogs had been “euthanized” without first receiving anesthesia, that dogs had received inadequate veterinary care and insufficient food, and that they were living in unsanitary conditions.

“It takes a massive network of compassionate, expert shelters and rescues to make an operation of this scale possible,” said Lindsay Hamrick, shelter outreach and engagement director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are deeply grateful to each organization that is stepping up to find these dogs the loving homes they so deserve.”

The beagles being cared for by the Wisconsin Humane Society will be available for adoption once they are old enough to be placed and healthy enough for new homes.

Those interested in adoption should review the adoption process here. The website is updated in real time.

Those interested in making a donation to help support their care can do so here.